Section II Responsibility to Others Click Once

Alpha Sigma Phi has always been a fraternity that encourages the principles of service and philanthropy as just a requirement and don’t recognize the benefits and satisfaction of serving others. Service and philanthropic events can provide men with valuable leadership skills and give Brothers the opportunity to make a difference in their community. Yet, the question, “Why is service to others important?” still persists for many. It is a question worth some further examination. When you think of truly great people in history, those who are well respected and loved in our world, an important factor almost always comes into play: Charity and service. Undoubtedly, these famous people have all achieved excellence and success in their chosen profession. But this, alone, would only make them experts in their fields, not the men and women of character who elicit the wide-range admiration of millions. Service: “The work performed by one that serves; contribution to the welfare of others.” Philanthropy: “Dispensing or receiving aid from funds set aside for humanitarian purposes.” Click Once

Jackie Robinson once said: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Let us examine this statement. True, Jackie Robinson did impact many fans solely by his ability to play baseball. He amazed many people and brought them joy and excitement, but that is only a part of what he will be remembered by. More importantly, besides being a great ball player, Jackie Robinson was a man of character; a man dedicated to helping others. He made a difference in this world, because he realized that he had to give himself to those less fortunate. This is how Jackie Robinson will be remembered, as a man who cared about the world he lived in and the people in it. That is what charity is all about. Alpha Sigma Phi has a responsibility to you in fulfilling its purpose to make you a better man. The Fraternity ensures this in many ways. It gives you opportunities to be leaders, acquire interpersonal and social skills, to network, and most importantly to serve others. In fact, we would be letting you down if we did not stress the importance of service to others. For without service, you will not reach the fullest development in life. Alpha Sigma Phi seeks to make her Brothers men who are well rounded and men who are of good character. Your experience with Alpha Sigma Phi should be one that is eclectic and ensures that you will leave your chapter a better person who seeks to lend a helping hand to others as you journey through life.

Unfortunately too many Greeks respond to this challenge with: “Yeah that’s great, but I want to have fun.” Fortunately, however, service to others really can be great! There is no written law that community service should not and cannot be fun. There are numerous examples of significant service and philanthropic projects in which Alpha Sig chapters have participated that have not only been extremely helpful and beneficial to their communities, but have also provided an extraordinary opportunity to experience the fun and joys of brotherhood. Two specific examples of philanthropic projects in which chapters of Alpha Sigma Phi have participated illustrate this point. The first is the famous Greek sponsored dance marathon at Penn State University. Our Brothers of Upsilon Chapter help organize the 48-hour event, in which participants raise money for a charity, and then they participate as dancers. Not only is this a good time for those involved, but also more importantly it significantly benefits others. Over a period of several years, Upsilon Chapter has been credited with raising well more than a million dollars for the Hershey Medical Center, a leading children’s cancer hospital. A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives. Jackie Robinson A Special Partnership: Alpha Sigma Phi and Canine Companions for Independence Click Once

Another example is Delta Phi Chapter’s (Grand Valley State University) Cycling for Independence. This event is held on behalf of Alpha Sigma Phi’s national philanthropy, Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). The Brothers solicit donations for CCI from various sponsors and businesses for the Brotherhood’s very long bicycle ride around Lake Michigan. Not only is this a great philanthropy event, but is also one of the best Brotherhood events you can imagine. The challenge to you and your chapter is to make your service and philanthropy events fun and exciting. However, of course, the main purpose of these events is to help others not as fortunate. Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships between dogs and disabled people. Alpha Sigma Phi adopted CCI as our National Philanthropy in 1993 at the National Leadership Conference.

Canine Companions change peoples’ lives in dramatic ways that surprise everyone around them. Those who are blessed with a Canine Companion can now expect help in the routine chores of life that are particularly challenging for a physically disabled person such as picking up things that fall or alerting a hearing-impaired person to a ringing phone. Besides the obvious assistance a dog can provide, there is the incredible bonding that soon develops between an owner and his or her companion. You can imagine how it would feel: A remarkable dog joins you on your life’s journey and there’s no going back. You can do more for yourself than you could before. People look at you and smile – a dog is a natural icebreaker – and you’re less alone. You don’t have to worry about another person getting annoyed when your keys fall behind your reach; your dog will get them, with a smile and a wagging tail, eagerly waiting for them to fall again. As a strong partner in this worthy endeavor, Alpha Sigma Phi has pledged to support and assist CCI all over the nation. Alpha Sig chapters participate in CCI’s puppy- raising program, volunteer time promoting CCI throughout local communities, and also make significant financial contributions from fundraisers held on local campuses. All of these activities reinforce the Fraternity’s commitment to improving peoples’ lives and communities throughout the country.